The NFL and the players’ union have made “some progress” over seven consecutive days of face-to-face meetings, “but very strong differences remain,” and negotiations will resume next week, mediator George Cohen said Thursday.

At least one person participating in the federally mediated NFL labor negotiations was willing to say something — anything — about how he felt after more than 25 hours of meetings over four days. “Things are going well right now,” said Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch.

The NFL and its players’ union met with a federal mediator for the fourth day in a row Monday, trying to make progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement before the current labor deal expires.